Slabbed coin photo question with example...

BlindedByEgo

I noticed while reviewing this picture of a PCGS holdered coin that there is haze over the date and over Jeffersons hair. This even after I cleaned the plastic with Windex and manually focused through the plastic... Do you have any recommendations or experience in polishing the plastic surfaces clean of scratches and haze?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

TwoSides2aCoin

If the problem is in the holder, PCGS will re holder it for like $5. it's relatively inexpensive. The coin may even grade up.
As for trying to remove any flaws in the plastic, I am stumped there, just so long as you don't use any petroleum products. I personally wouldn't take any chances messing with it. Re Holder !

PerryHall

For $5 you only get a reholder and NOT a regrade. The graders don't even see it.

howards

Haven't tried it myself, but some collectors in my local club recommend Johnson's Floor Wax for removing scratches from plastic.

You have nothing to lose by trying it if you are planning on sending the coin in for reholdering anyway.

PerryHall

There have been numerous past threads on removing scratches from slabs. Do a search, My favorite is Brasso.

cho10

I have used small amounts of toothpaste to clean transparent plastic surfaces such as slabs. I think toothpaste does contain a very small amount of marble dust but in a small enough quantity to not damage the enamel on people's teeth.

I first heard about use of mild toothpaste for cleaning plastic based crystals on Rolex watches during a guided visit to a major Rolex Repair Center.

During a Q & A session somebody asked how to remove scratches from a crystal on your own without having to go to a service center and the answer was "If you are careful and don't do this too often you could use a very small amount of mild toothpaste". Much to my surprise I discovered that this does work.

I have since tried with a few slabs (remove gum left over from stickers). I have noticed no damage to modern PCGS or NGC slabs. I have no idea whether this would work with older slabs as I have not tried it with older slabs. I used a damp cloth to remove all residue afterwards.

CarlWohlforth

Brasso does work, is cheap and readily available. I also have "Scratch Away" a toothpaste like product (with no scent) that was sold by a forum member. Both help. I remove any residue with Coralife Acrylic Buffer-Polisher. That was designed for plastic fish tanks. It doesn't remove any scratches but does help me remove Brasso residue. Since I bought it I figure I better use it.

BlindedByEgo

ttt for the 8:00 am crew.

mgoodm3

i use 3M rubbing compound. Made for taking swirl-marks off of car paint. Good for taking off light scratches.

lordmarcovan

I've heard of the Brasso technique but have never tried it.

That, or the toothpaste trick, or the commercial polish previously mentioned, might do the trick if your haze is on the surface of the plastic, but if it is a flaw within the plastic you might be outta luck.

PerryHall

Check the instructions on a can of brasso. It says its good for removing scratches from plastic watch crystals.